Feeding and caring for wildlife in your yard

With the exception of songbirds, it is best not to put out food for wildlife.

Feeding can disrupt natural feeding and population patterns and cause animals to become tame. It also can attract wildlife that you would rather not attract.

Many foods people commonly feed to animals, such as peanuts, are actually bad for them and can cause health problems. Bread is harmful to most animals, including birds, squirrels, ducks, geese and deer.

If you feed birds or squirrels, use whole, natural foods such as seeds, filberts, apples, squash or corn.

Consider adding a water feature to your backyard for birds and other wildlife to enjoy.

Don't assume a fledgling bird or baby mammal needs your assistance. Many birds, especially ground feeders such as robins or jays, normally fledge on the ground in the spring in the care of their parents. As long as the parent birds are alive, it is best not to disturb baby birds. Young mammals often wander short distances from their parents. If you leave them alone, the parent will usually retrieve them.

Whether your roots in the region run generations deep or you moved to Oregon last week, you have your own reasons for loving this place – and Metro wants to keep it that way. Help shape the future of the greater Portland region and discover tools, services and places that make life better today.